Texas should open at least five destination casino resorts, according to a Las Vegas Sands (LVS) executive, whose company is among those eager to capture a license.

Two of these casinos should be in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, LVS Senior Vice President of Government Relations Andy Abboud said last week during a roundtable held in the state.

That’s where LVS wants to open a gaming property. Golden Nugget reportedly wants to open a casino in Houston.

But, before any casinos can open in the state, the legislature must approve controversial legislation that must also receive backing from the state’s voters.

Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, urges to proceed with caution.

Saying you want a specific number and specific location when the state currently has none is like counting your winnings at the table,” Rottinghaus told Casino.org.

“The state is still very mixed on expanded gaming in Texas, both in the public and among politicians,” he added. “There have been several attempts to amend the constitution to add destination gaming resorts, but they have not gotten much traction because of the political hurdles in front of them.”

Rottinghaus predicts what’s most likely to be approved is “a very small step towards expanded gaming, likely a large feasibility study and possibly including a modest number of licenses or online sports betting. Whatever happens, it will be baby steps towards expanded gambling in Texas.”